Did Paul Cezanne begin the cubist consciousness which Braque and Picasso perfected?

Yes, Paul Cézanne is often regarded as a precursor to Cubism, as his innovative approach to form and perspective laid the groundwork for later artists like Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. Cézanne's technique of breaking down objects into geometric shapes and his exploration of multiple viewpoints influenced the development of Cubist ideas. While he did not fully develop Cubism himself, his work inspired Braque and Picasso to further explore and perfect the movement. Thus, Cézanne's contributions were crucial in shaping the Cubist consciousness.